Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"No," Millie said, shaking her head. Then, blushing, she tiptoed closer and said, "I want to spend a little more time with you." Before she could get any closer, Murray took the lead. With one arm, he wrapped her waist and planted a fierce kiss on her.

Whoa! The crowd around them went wild again.

"Dude, get a room!"

"Man, that's some crazy love!"

Roseanne watched the scene unfold, her fingers turning white as she gripped her book tightly. So, hearts did break. Yet her face remained eerily calm, almost numb. She thought, 'You get used to it.'

If quitting smoking had withdrawal symptoms, what was a six-year relationship? Without lingering any longer, Roseanne turned to leave. She had books to get back to.

In the crowd, Murray felt something amiss and glanced around. A familiar silhouette flashed through his vision.

But then, Millie's soft hand slipped into his, their fingers intertwining affectionately.

asked softly, "What are you looking

gaze back

escorting Millie to her dorm, Murray

eyes brimming with adoration. "It's still early. Can't you stay a bit longer?" Murray patted her head and said, "Be

streetlight, his features were cast in shadow, making his sharp features even more pronounced. Millie's

of her words would

reflecting a complex mix of emotions. "You're still young. Let's wait a bit

secret thrill. His reluctance showed he cherished her, not just for a fleeting moment of pleasure but for something

to do. I'm off." Murray

sweetly. "Okay, try to get some rest.

in thought for

...

kiss replayed in her mind. She pressed her lips together. She headed to the bathroom and doused her face with cold water three times before her mind cleared. The past, once discarded, didn't deserve her